Child Dental Benefits Scheme

THE CHILD DENTAL BENEFITS SCHEME (CDBS)

As of January 1st 2014 the Teen Dental Medicare plan will be replaced by the Child Dental Benefit Scheme.

The Child Dental Benefits Scheme (CDBS) commenced on the 1st of January 2014 and provides access to benefits for basic dental services to around 3.4 million children aged 2-17 years. The total benefit entitlement is capped at $1,000 per child over a two calendar year period.

The CDBS has a means test, which requires receipt of Family Tax Benefit Part A (FTB-A) or a relevant Australian Government payment. The CDBS provides individual benefits for a range of services including examinations, x-rays, cleaning, fissure sealing, fillings, root canals and extractions. Benefits are not available for orthodontic or cosmetic dental work and cannot be paid for any services provided in a hospital.